I set up tables in the dining room and the patio so there was a place for everyone to sit and eat if they cared to. It was a casual affair, and we had a self-serve bar set up in the kitchen, an ice chest with beer, sodas and water on the patio, and the food was placed out on the kitchen island.
Of course once the party started I only took 2 pictures. I just stay too busy as does David. I have to remember to ask friends to snap some pictures with our camera.
Our contributions outside of the drinks were for the appetizer table hot Philly Chili dip with tortilla scoops, stuffed eggs and shrimp with cocktail sauce. There was a great array of appetizers for the buffet; hot jalapeno and artichoke dip with sliced baguette and a veggie tray by Kelli, cheeses and crackers by Sue and Rose, hot artichoke and cheese dip with tortilla chips by Lindsay. Phyllis actually made homemade Italian sausage (yes you read that right) and then placed pieces in puff pastry and baked them. Amazingly delicious. She is giving me her recipe. She is a fabulous Italian cook and woman.
Most people sat outside and visited around the two tables and the benches near them.
It's always a wonderful time for David and I when we spend time with friends and family. This was such a causal day which made it even nicer.
From the right we have Ralph, Karen, Bob, Dale and Bill.
After the sun went down and it was getting a little cool people came indoors. David had the AC on because with the slider open and the humidity it was warm in the house for a while. He forgot about it though, and by this time it was getting cold in the house. Here's Dale, with Ednamay and Carol huddled under the throw on the couch. A fitting end to a fun time I think.
Grill or fry until blackened 8 oz. of mild smoked sausages. (The ones I bought said mild but have a kick to them which was good in this recipe) You can also smoke them again on your grill which I did not do. Once cooked, cut each sausage lengthwise and then in quarters. Then cut quarters into slices. Set aside.
You'll need 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper and 1 cup chopped onion, 1 (28 oz) can baked beans, and 1 bottle (20 oz) of Famous Dave's Rich and Sassy BBQ Sauce.
Saute peppers and onions just until onions are slightly softened. Add sliced sausages, beans and BBQ sauce. Stir to blend. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. These are better made 10 hours to 2 days ahead of time. Cover and place in fridge for the flavors to meld well. This is a must. The taste really does improve. Enjoy at your next BBQ.
To make two entrees: Slice 1 zucchini, chop 2 Roma tomatoes and clean 4 to 8 green onions, saving the white and mostly pale green parts for the recipe.
Cut heavy duty foil into 12 to 15 inch long pieces. One per entree. Drizzle a a little EVOO on the center of each piece of foil and place a boneless, skinless chicken breast on each. Spread each breast with a tablespoon of pesto. Pile the half of each veggie on each chicken breast, starting with zucchini and ending with green onions.
Spread another 2 to 3 tablespoons of pesto on top of each one. Bring foil up and seal top then sides to make a leak proof packet. Place packets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 355 degree F oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. (You can also cook these on your grill using indirect method, grill preheated to medium. Close grill when cooking for about 25 minutes.
When finished cooking, carefully open each packet. There is a lot of steam, be careful. It created lovely juice when cooking. I removed from packets and served a top steamed brown rice. Buon Appetito!
Yesterday we visited with Shawn and Theresa for a little while. They are doing well as is the baby. They have decided on nursery colors and fabrics/theme. Different shades of pink, with brown and cream for contrast colors. The fabric for the sheets and some other things is cream with a design of princess type things. Theresa's mother is making the sheets, blanket, pillow, crib bumper covers, and sheets for the cradle which is awesome.
Above is a Japanese cucumber.
Lettuce.
Bell pepper.
Heirloom tomato.
Another type of heirloom tomato.
Heirloom Roma's.
Zucchini.
Spaghetti Squash. I am so excited this is growing so well!
One of the varieties of watermelon the kids planted. We will be rocking with tomatoes, veggies and fruit any time now.
We went to champagne brunch a week ago Sunday At The Riverfront Restaurant in Rio Vista on the Delta with 40 plus people from the Newcomer's Club. Great company and atmosphere. Not only enjoy the time at the restaurant but the drive there.
I hosted both Mexican Train and Hand and Foot groups last week. That meant making a variety of munchies and a few desserts. I made some long time standards and tried a few new things(nope, not even pictures of food!). They were good, very simple to prepare, not healthy, and I will share recipes.
We went wine tasting in Sonoma and Kenwood last Wednesday with our group of friends that enjoy tasting together. The weather was sunny and mild, but a bit windy as the day progressed. I had my camera with me yet never thought to take it out and snap pictures. We went to Schug, Robledo, Mayo and VJB wineries. We tasted and purchased outstanding cheese at Vella's Cheese Factory and had lunch at Mary's Pizza Shack in Boyes Hot Springs. Still the best pizza around. I indulged and split a small Toto's combo with Barbara. With every bite I thought of my Dad. He loved Toto's combo as much as I do. Lots of great family memories were made there at Mary's over the years.
The above Dragon Fly has been enjoying sitting a top this bamboo stake for long periods of time over the past week or so in our garden. My neighbor snapped of picture of what we believe to be the same Dragon Fly in here garden down the street. He's a rust colored beauty.
Saturday we went to see the stage production of The Lion King, the last of pour winter Broadway series. It is a rarity that I see something that I want to see again, and again, but I do this production. Disney Theater Productions do not disappoint. It is a spectacular show! The costumes alone are awesome and amazing. If you have the opportunity, take your kids, take your grandkids, take yourselves!
Above is the start of a tiny little navel orange from the tree we planted in a large pot on our patio in the last year. This looks like the only orange that survived from the blossoms we had on the tree. We are hoping it continues to grow and remain healthy.
A Mexican lime in the garden. There are lots of limes this year. I am excited about that.
One of the Asiatic lilies in the garden. Love the deep rust color of this one.
The artichokes have been amazing - huge and tender and reasonably priced.
Fresh herbs and Meyer lemon from our garden. I was ready to stuff it all in the cavity of a whole chicken with a halved head of garlic to roast in the oven.
Friday morning trips to the local Farmer's Market continue. These little carrots were delicious.
The berries so ripe and juicy. Unbeatable.
The bowl above was one of my mother's that she had forever. I still love using it.
This was a new find for me the Friday before last. A Yellow Doll watermelon. It is bright yellow with black seeds as you can see. It is sweeter and juicier than any watermelon I have ever tasted. David is not fond of watermelon but he enjoyed this one. Our neighbor down the street received one in her produce box this week and gave it to us since she does not like watermelon. What a treat, thanks Deborah! I can eat this every day.
